The Drivers Brief - Dirt Karting Podcast

Aussie Titles week is here, and we're not tip-toeing around it. Matty and I sit down with the nomination lists on the table and start making the calls that always come back to bite you: who wins, who sneaks onto the podium, and who's a proper smokey at Loxton when the heats get frantic and the margins get tiny.We kick off with the stuff that shapes a weekend before anyone turns a wheel: travel plans, prep that's “done and dusted”, and the tracks that separate riders who can only go fast from drivers who can actually race. Jenner gets a special mention for being technical, clay-based, and punishing if you miss your marks. Then we get honest about rivalries, the people you love chasing, and the one rule change we'd make to Aussie Titles qualifying so it feels more earned and less about who can afford to tick every box.After that, it's straight into Australian dirt karting predictions across Mediums, 125 Heavy, KT Twins, 200 Open, and Outlaw. We weigh up defenders, repeat contenders, and the difference between outright pace and “putting it together” when it counts. We finish with the human side: the music that flips the switch, the superstitions that keep your brain quiet on the grid, and a reminder to respect the volunteers and sponsors who make the whole meeting possible.If you've got strong opinions, we want them. Subscribe, share this with your racing mates, leave a review, and tell us your podium picks.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Loxton titles week brings out two types of people: the ones who keep their heads, and the ones who start making bold calls way too early. We're firmly in the second camp, and Maddie is joined by Kira Griffiths, our first female guest, for part two of the road to Loxton. We start with the real-world stuff that shapes Australian dirt karting, travel distance, fuel prices, and why Alice Springs sometimes wins the battle of the budget, even when Loxton is calling.From there we get into what racers actually remember: favourite tracks like Tatiara and Blanchtown, what a great surface feels like, and the corners that reward commitment. Kira talks about loving the bus stop at Wage Inn when you're heading out the gate to the left, because you can carry huge speed and make proper passes. We also touch on mindset and rivalry, with a refreshingly honest take that the biggest rival is often yourself, while racing the experienced names lifts everyone's level.Then we tackle a topic every karting paddock debates sooner or later: stewarding consistency. We keep it respectful to volunteers while still calling for clearer, more consistent decision-making to protect fairness and the future of the sport. Finally, we put our reputations on the line with Australian title picks across Junior Light, Junior Heavy, KT Light, and KT Medium, plus smokeys, a “sure thing” for the weekend, and a spicy prediction on red flags at a massive meeting.If you're watching from home on Clay Per View or heading to the track, hit play, lock in your picks, then subscribe, share the episode with your karting mates, and leave us a quick review so more Aussie dirt karting fans can find the show.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Two minutes from green to chequered after months of prep, freight, flights and late nights in the shed. That's the reality for a lot of Australian dirt karting racers, and it's exactly where our chat with Tim Ryan starts as Part 3 of Road to Loxton rolls on.We unpack Tim's WA Titles weekend, where early dramas put him on the back foot before he fought back onto the podium. From there we get into the stuff karting people love to argue about: favourite tracks, what makes a facility feel “next level”, and the corners that create real passing chances when the grip changes lap by lap. If you're heading to Loxton for the Dirt Karting Nationals, the track talk alone will sharpen how you think about learning a new circuit quickly.Then we put our names on paper with Nationals predictions across KT Heavy, Statesman, 100 Open and 125 Light, including dark horses and one “sure thing” you'd supposedly bet the house on. Finally, the tone shifts to safety as we dig into a red flag rule scenario that forces drivers into impossible decisions when the field is stacked up and the signal comes late. It's a proper, practical conversation about race control, visibility and how rules play out at speed.If you enjoyed this one, follow the show, share it with a mate heading to Nationals, and leave us a review so more dirt karting fans can find Elbows Up.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

One bad heat can wipe out a whole title run, especially when the heats are only six laps long. We're heading down the Road to Loxton with Tyler to get honest about what the Aussie Titles feel like before the first kart even rolls onto the grid: the travel plan, the prep load, and the difference it makes when you arrive early enough to breathe instead of scramble.We unpack the Aussie Titles format (four heats and a final on points) and why it changes the way you race. No drop-your-worst safety net means you've got to drive with your head, not just your right foot, and split fields can make the points picture messy even when you've “won” your race. We also talk Loxton track conditions, how short heat races turn starts into everything, and why the best drivers can adapt when the surface throws a curveball.This is Part 1 of our four-part titles series, and we're making it interactive. We're putting a listener predictions form online where you can pick 1-2-3 for each class, add a dark horse, and nominate your one sure thing winner. Along the way, we touch on the depth of entries across KT classes, juniors, 125s and Outlaw, plus the practical reality of budgets, pit help, and choosing which classes are actually worth the stress.Hit play, then jump on Facebook to join the predictions, share your picks with your mates, and subscribe so you don't miss the rest of the Loxton build-up. After you listen, what's your sure thing and why?Send us Fan MailSupport the show

We catch up with Tyler and Matty to size up the WA State Title at Great Southern, from the nomination list to the track form and the drivers we think can win each class. We also run through race weekend logistics, then look ahead to the Loxton Aussie Title and how travel costs and rumours can shape the sport. • WA title timing, recent racing at Wagin, track running best under lights • Nomination numbers and why depth matters more than raw entries • Junior Lights standouts and how fast the field turns over • Junior Heavy contenders and the value of local laps • KT Light, Medium and Heavy picks plus weight and lead choices • 100 Open and 125 Light expectations, numbers and key names • 125 Mediums reality check, interstate strength and podium calls • 125 Heavy field depth, adapting to a new track and avoiding overdriving • KT Twin, 200 Open and Outlaws as wide-open podium classes • Cashless canteen, pit access, travel plans, accommodation, heat schedule and weather flexibility • Loxton track rumours, why going to the source matters, volunteer workload • 125X series viewing, fuel prices, interstate travel, and why series formats are hard to commit to if anyone has any suggestions or you want to dob anyone in, do it Send us Fan MailSupport the show

We sit down with Jack Tarandetti fresh off winning the Northern Territory State title in 200 Open and trace the full path that gets him there, from early kart days to hard lessons in speedway and back again. We talk honestly about the moments that nearly broke the momentum, the people who backed him, and the brand new sprintcar chapter kicking off with WX21. • early racing roots, shed banter and the push to choose racing over distractions • starting in rookie dirt karts, learning on imperfect gear and building consistency • stepping through junior classes, travelling for meetings and making it a family programme • trying junior sedans, dealing with the repair grind and choosing a better fit • returning to 125 racing with renewed focus and better equipment • Ben “Bully” Bull's support, the KT twin opportunity and the first 200 Open podium • NT title win, what changes mentally after getting a plate • sprintcar build details, 360 LS plans and the WA speedway schedule • WA title nominations, field strength and what to watch in each class • favourite tracks and corners, why multi-line tracks create the best racing • balancing full-time work, life outside racing and keeping the kart programme alive Anyone that wants to get involved, sponsor-wise, help anything, yeah, anything. If you know anyone that you want on the show, reach out, send us messages. Send us Fan MailSupport the show

We sit down with Dylan Bamford to talk about what “elbows up” really looks like when the racing is tight and the stakes are a state title. We swap stories from Alice Springs, speedway pits, and title weekends where preparation, mateship, and a bit of luck decide what you take home. • Dylan's karting history and the father-son approach to racing with purpose • What “elbows up” means on track and where the line sits • Favourite tracks and corners, plus why Alice Springs races so well • Speedway crossover and how the pits culture carries across classes • Career highlights, horror weekends, and what different title formats reward • Race receivers in karting, safety benefits, distraction risks, and steward rules • The real cost of racing, tyres, and why supporting volunteers matters • Title prep must-haves, travelling smart, and leaning on crew networks • Switching to the Rival chassis and balancing racing with family life • Reviewing the NT title nominations and calling smokies across the classes • Transponders, kart numbers, and how rules could evolve with technology • How to watch a race meeting to learn starts, lines, and changing surfaces People that are listening in, don't be afraid to comment on the post and put your ideas forward because we do have this technology, which should mean that we don't have to be so strict Send us Fan MailSupport the show

We yarn with Reyne Leeson about the long road from Claremont Speedway memories to buying an LS1 sprint car with no real seat time, then grinding through breakdowns until the results finally land. We also dig into iRacing as a real training tool, plus how Reyne turns grassroots motorsport media into momentum for drivers, clubs, and sponsors. You can find and or follow me the same handle everywhere. reyneleesonmediaOr you can email reyneleesonmedia@gmail.com. Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Matt & Tyler get together to chat about the Ken & Ces, GSKC Junior Day & The Riverland 2 Day meeting.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

It's our favourite meeting of the year in Perth and we can't get enough!  We have Tyler who is defending one of the coveted '8' plates who talks Wingless Sprints and helps Matty pick some winners and a few roughies for the weekend ahead!Send us Fan MailSupport the show

We catch up with Brad Hembling, President of the Loxton Kart Club home of the 2026 DKOA Nationals this October!Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Our first Episode of 2026. Cooper Davis joins us for a chat!Send a textSupport the show

Matty catches up with Tyler McQuilkin for a chat about all things Dirt Karts, the recent NT Titles and the upcoming Junior 40 lapper.Please like and subscribe, follow us on all the socials!Send us a textSupport the show

A final get together, the boys discuss all things 2023 Dirt Karts.

The boys sit down with one of the most passionate men in AIDKA dirt karts, Brenton Colmer. The man behind the mic, tells us about his history in karts and his journey to where he is at a kart track somewhere in SA most weekends commentating and selling our sport to the masses.  We also talk about the upcoming South Aussie Title in Morgan and his thoughts. 

In this Episode, Joel Ettridge joins us for a chat about all things Dirt Karts and his move into Limited Sprintcars.  A very interesting chat and what a journey it has been so far.

In our triumphant return to the air waves we clean house, speak about the elephant in the room, talk about the JKC and GADKM. Discuss the cost of travel in Dirt Karting and what makes a great Go-kart meeting and plenty more...

The boys catch up with current A1 125 Light racer Shannon Barry. Fingers crossed the weather gods play nicely and we get the big show we have all been getting ready for!

Matty and Josh have just driven to SA for a couple of race meetings, only to be met by the  shithouse weather.  So what else do you do on a night off in Adelaide with no plans?  Go to the Crazy Horse!!!  Nope, we do a Podcast!

The boys finally catch up for another session of kart racing travels, tracks, stories and banter. Matty Varis, Josh Dale, Mat Bain and guests Brad "nice guy" Hembling and Caiden Dixon.

Here we are, we made it over the border and into the trenches for the big dance in May.

We are finally back after a good break, we take it on the road to Busselton Kart Club and get out and chat to a few champs.

Direct from Team Shed headquarters, the spanners are swinging, and so is Josh.  Its been a hectic week with preparations for the WA title, but we made some time, so you are sorted for your soundtrack when heading south for the big weekend!

This is one of the most fun episodes we have done, loads of laughs, an extra suprise guest, plus the current (for 6 more days!) 125 Heavy Aussie Champ - Neil 'Bradbury' Tennant!

We finally get back together for another episode. Loads to catchup on and plenty of exciting stuff the banter about.

It's Title Time.We almost never made it! With some divine intervention at the last minute, the borders opened and the Sandgropers have invaded the Riverland. Matt, Josh & Bainy catch up with Bear Chalmers, Pauly Vanderwoude & Dobbie Hembling to talk trash and make their picks for the SA Title honours for 2021.

Matty and Josh have just spent the weekend racing in the Riverland in South Australia - that land of the Mexicans.  We have a chat about our adventures and  our thoughts on our travels.

1990's Famed Aussie Title - the facts are inside.  Has Matty been dribbling crap all this time or is he the only 2nd place person to be remembered. We talk with the 4 time Bathurst Champ about his begining in karts right through to his opportunity commentating the Supercars.  It was a really cool chat that could have gone on for hours.

After a good break, the boys are back! We made it to season 2 and JD still has no ban!  Has he gotten soft?  Listen and find out.  This Episodes guest Brian "Bear" Chalmers.

A Final installment for the year 2020.  So much has happened this year, shout out to all of you that have supported us through such a challenging year.  We will be back bigger and better for 2021.  Seasons greetings to all!

Yes, It's been too long, but me we managed another installment. Hope you enjoy!

After a bit of a break the boys are back at it, slinging shit with the best of them.  Some fun listening for your drive to the track this weekend!

We sit down with AIDKA President Tony Dunn, discuss Covid restrictions and the re-launch of AIDKA racing and learn some interesting things about AIDKA's Top Dog.

What do you get when you put a bunch of mates, a few drinks and a score to settle?  Here it is, we never really knew what we were doing, but, it was fun none the less!  The boys were joined by Shed mates, Mick Bain, Jay Bacon and those 2 Mexicans from the Riverland in South Australia Paul "Peter" Vanderwoude and Brad "Dobbi" Hembling - Apologies in advance!

BD from B Sport joins us to talk all forms of motorsport and his vast experience behind the wheel and behind the scenes is amazing. Throw in a touch of the boys usual banter and some cool road trip stories and nearly 2 hours will pass you by!

The boys sit down and talk Race Formats, Rule Changes and our favourite classes, plus the usual misguided banter.  We also annouce some future guests, super exciting!

The boys are surviving cabin fever with this weeks guest Craig McIntyre. Plenty of yarns, stories and just a few quick plugs!

In this episode, the boys talk about their rivals, some of their favourite races they have been in and also talk about how they clean and prepare their karts after a race meeting.  Ben Brown from BRK joins us for a chat that we are sure all karters will find interesting!

In our first episode we get to know the boys, their thoughts on the Corona Virus and how its affected our sport. What are we doing without racing?  Interact with us on our Facebook page. Let us know what you want to hear about!